2010 Lexus ls 600h

This Lexus hybrid pairs a 5.0L V8 engine with two strong electric motors, a system for recapturing power, and a large-capacity battery pack. Altogether, the hybrid powertrain can deliver 438 horsepower and 385 pounds-feet of torque, yielding 0 to 60 mph acceleration times of only 5.5 seconds and impressive passing power. The 2010 LS600h L features Lexus Hybrid Drive, which follows the expertise gained in Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive, and uses a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) that features 8-speed manual shift control. The transmission has three driver-selectable driving modes ? normal, power and snow ? for changing road conditions.

The hybrid powertrain is a full hybrid system, meaning that it's capable of running at low-speed on electric power only. It includes an "EV" drive mode to creep almost silently into driveways or parking garages. It's backed up with one of the most powerful hybrid systems in any vehicle, with a 288-volt battery pack and on-board power inverter plus an auxiliary 12-volt battery for on-board accessories.

Power is distributed by a full-time all-wheel-drive system for good traction and stability year round. A Torsen limited-slip differential helps adjust power distribution; 60 percent goes to the rear wheels under normal driving. Compared to other hybrids and to other high-end luxury cars, the LS600h L boasts extremely quiet operation, with extra sound-deadening materials and special vibration-isolating engine mounts.

The steering and suspension for 2010 are designed to be quiet and isolating, yet communicative enough for confident road-holding. An air-spring suspension helps provide a good compromise between ride and handling, with large ventilated disc brakes front and rear. A variable gear ratio steering system and electronic power steering can function with the standard stability control system to make small adjustments to put the car back on course when needed.

Wood and chrome trim adorn the interior throughout. Controls for climate, audio and navigation are operated easily by buttons and via the touchscreen display. The electroluminescent gauges on the instrument panel are stunning, clear and add to the luxury.

Standard features include 19-inch alloy wheels, LED projector headlights, keyless ignition and entry, power door closers, parking assist with back-up camera, navigation system with real-time traffic, leather-trimmed seats and interior, heated steering wheel, 16-way power driver seat and 12-way power passenger seat with memory for both, heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats, a power rear sunshade, Bluetooth, 19-speaker Mark Levinson surround sound system (with 6-disc CD/DVD changer and satellite radio), a music server with a 2,000-song capacity and auxiliary input jack.

The LS 600h L is equipped with traction and stability control, front-seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags and knee airbags for the front seats. Rear-seat side airbags are included with any of the three option packages. With the optional adaptive cruise control, a pre-collision system pre-tensions seatbelts and boosts braking power when it senses an impending crash.

Lexus offers three option packages for 2010. The Premium Package includes cooled and reclining rear power seats, rear-seat side airbags and the Lexus advanced parking system (automated parallel parking). The Premium Package II includes everything in the Premium Package plus 4-zone climate control, a rear-seat entertainment system, a center console with a cooler box and power rear-door shades. The Executive-Class Seating Package II adds a power recliner with leg rest and massage feature for the right rear seat, a fixed rear center console that eliminates the fifth seating position, a rear-seat wood table, infrared temperature sensors and special 18-inch, nine-spoke wheels. Separate options include an active suspension stabilizer bar system and adaptive cruise control with a pre-coll
The LS600 receives refreshed styling for 2010. Lexus moved the battery pack giving way to space for a larger trunk. The 2010 model also got a subtly restyled front grille and fascia. A new ECO mode smoothes out throttle application to improve efficiency regardless of how heavy the driver's foot is.
Top-tier hybrid luxury sedan; superior craftsmanship; ultra-quiet ride; spacious interior; "green " hybrid pedigree
Introduced in 2008 as a hybrid complement to the LS460, the 2010 LS600h stands in rare company--it's one of the only V8-powered hybrids available. While prices do start in the $100,000 range, it's one of the most comfortable and technologically advanced vehicles on the road. The sophisticated hybrid powertrain returns impressive horsepower numbers while maintaining a combined EPA estimate of 21 MPG--not bad for a car weighing two-and-a-half tons! There isn't much competition at this price, but the Lexus LS600h outdoes the Mercedes S400 hybrid in terms of power, features all-wheel drive all the while maintaining similar mileage numbers.